02 May 2018

A retired University of Botswana lecturer, Professor Zibani Maundeni has advised workers unions on the need to retain their independence and avoid aligning to any political party.

Giving a keynote address during BOPEU and BFTU’s Rotlhe regional labour day commemoration held in Molepolole on May 1, Prof. Maundeni made emphasis over the need for workers unions to ensure full independence to be able to direct things their way.

“You need to ensure full independence and detach from any political party to avoid being held at ransom and be able to hold political parties accountable without fear because you know you have an obligation to fulfil,” Prof. Maudeni advised the union members.

Kgosi Kgolo Kgari III advised trhe unions to leave room for compromise during negotiations for improved conditions of service.

“Avoid being rigid, but allow to bargain in good faith to help build a better Botswana through proper consultations,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Molepolole North Member of Parliament, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri applauded workers for the significant contributions made towards building a competitive Botswana.

“It is through your dedication and commitment as the country’s workforce that Botswana’s economy has been made a global competitor,” he said.

Mr Matlhabaphiri also emphasised the need to have strong workers unions, capable of representing the will of workers and ensuring advocacy for improved conditions of service.

He further expressed gratitude over government’s adherence to International Labour Organisation conventions ratifications.

Mr Matlhabaphiri challenged the workers union to be aware of the fact that they have an obligation to fulfil by ensuring that they objectively fight for their rights unapologetically.

In his closing remarks, Molepolole South MP, Dr Tlamelo Mmatli, spoke against situations where public workers oppressed fellow workers, arguing that the state of affair needed to be shamed as a united voice was required to fight the cause of employees.

“One voice is required for advocacy on issues affecting the plight of workers,” Dr Mmatli advised.

BOPEU’s Rotlhe regional chairperson, Mr Booster Mogapi called on workers to challenge labour unions to fight back the forfeited gains by government such as the right to strike and the right to collective bargaining, among others. ENDS